What's New: The 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected EcoBoost engine are new. So is the killer 15-second "overboost" feature, which temporarily bumps torque when the driver mashes the throttle to the floor. The suspension is unique to the Focus ST, too, featuring redesigned knuckles and a reworked antiroll bar out back (compared with the stock Focus's suspension). Finally, the electric power steering is pretty good, featuring a variable ratio and an anti-torque steer system.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Tech Tidbit: The electronic stability control has three modes: Normal, Sport, and Off. Leave the nannies to work and the Focus's Dynamic Cornering Control, Torque Vectoring Control, and Cornering Understeer Control will correct for your mistakes. Switch them off and you slide the car at will on the track. Whether you're a novice or a pro, you'll find the Focus ST a hoot.

Most Popular

Driving Character: The 2013 Focus ST is fast. Thanks to the overboost function, the power feels immediate and significant when you hit the gas, almost regardless of engine RPM. You'll never have to wish for more oomph while passing; Ford says the Focus ST will jump to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds, and that might be conservative.

Despite the active torque-steer cancellation, you'll have to fight a bit for control of the wheel if you jump on the throttle hard out of a corner. Beyond that small gripe, it's hard to find fault with the playful character of the ST. There's loads of grip, and the suspension is well-damped. Brakes are good, but if you use that electronic braking differential a lot (our test course was long and full of tight corners), you might notice some fade at the end of aggressive stints.

Favorite Detail: Torque delivery. Thanks to six well-chosen gearbox ratios, power is right-now instant in any gear, with a broad torque range between 2000 and 5000 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbo pulls well past 5500 rpm, where peak horsepower arrives.

Bottom Line: Ford probably won't sell many Focus STs (the company estimates between 8000 and 9000, and that may end up optimistic). So let's give them credit for creating a car for the enthusiast—you can't even get an automatic. You won't find yourself wishing for Euro specs, either, since the car's the same over there, with only the slightest of differences to meet regs. In fact, the Focus ST is Ford's first One Ford global performance product.

It's a kick in the pants to drive too—so much so that you'll wonder what exactly the Focus RS (which probably won't come to our shores) could to offer to be more entertaining. And though the ST roars, it's a comfy way to putter around town too. It's priced just shy of VW GTI territory, and if we're honest, we'd opt for the Ford.

If you're willing to pay for it, you can have high-end features like MyFord Touch, dual-zone climate control, navigation, and great Recaro seats. Ford's expecting highway economy of more than 30 mpg. If the blue oval can pull it off, it would be one more ace up the ST's sleeve.

Correction: This review previously stated that the 2013 Focus ST was the first one to be sold in the U.S., which was incorrect.